Opening day spot plays for Oaklawn Park

Winter officially began a month ago, but down in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the season doesn’t truly begin until the race meet at Oaklawn Park gets underway.

The 2021 season kicks off Friday and runs through May 1, with the $150,000 Smarty Jones S. the highlight on opening day.

If you want to build your bankroll for the feature event, we’ll help you get started with a couple of opening-day spot plays on a $50 budget.

Race 4: Maiden special weight (6 furlongs, 3:01 p.m. ET)

#12 Smarty’s Angel (7-2) is exiting a tough 6-furlong maiden sprint at Keeneland, where she pressed a fast pace and weakened to finish fifth, by 4 1/2 lengths. The winner, Littlestitious, came right back to win the My Trusty Cat S. at Delta Downs.

Even in defeat, Smarty’s Angel posted a 69 Brisnet Speed rating that tops Friday’s field. Facing fellow Arkansas-breds will be easier than squaring off against open company on the Kentucky circuit, and Smarty’s Angel’s tactical speed should help her avoid a wide trip from post 12.

#3 Rachie Rach (4-1) and #8 Arkansas Bling (5-2) can battle to round out the exotics.

$12 to win on #12 Smarty’s Angel
$7 exacta: 12 with 3,8 ($14)
$2 trifecta: 12 with 3,8 with 3,8 ($4)
Total: $30

Race 6: Maiden special weight (1 mile, 4:07 p.m. ET)

#7 Saffa’s Day (5-2) is bound to be a popular choice.

He appeared to break his maiden by 5 1/4 lengths at Keeneland, but he was disqualified because of a positive drug test. A return to the maiden ranks, after he competed in the Nyquist S. and Remington Springboard Mile S., will make Saffa’s Day a dangerous contender.

But don’t overlook the chances of #3 Windcracker (3-1).

While not the fastest runner on paper, the son of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Super Saver has competed against tough company since last summer. He has finished behind Hopeful (G1) and Champagne (G1) runner-up Reinvestment Risk, Street Sense S. winner King Fury, Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) runner-up Smiley Sobotka, and Smarty Jones S. entrant Caddo River.

Windcracker should find the competition a bit easier at Oaklawn, and he has also been gelded since his last run, which sets the stage for improvement.

Let’s take a shot with a win bet on Windcracker and key him over Saffa’s Day and #9 He’smyhoneybadger (4-1) in the exacta.

$12 to win on #3 Windcracker
$4 exacta: 3 with 7,9 ($8)
Total: $20

Good luck!